Holdsworth named new Salford captain

Daniel Holdsworth has been rewarded for an impressive debut Super League campaign by being appointed as Salford City Reds new captain.

The former Canterbury Bulldogs playmaker replaces Salford stalwart Malcolm Alker, who is now the club’s coaching assistant.

Reds head coach Shaun McRae is confident that Holdsworth will prove to be a worthy successor to Alker.

“After due consideration the Reds Captaincy has been given to Daniel Holdsworth on the basis of his strong leadership skills on and off the pitch,” he told the club’s website.

“Daniel was an influential player in his first season at Salford City Reds and a performer of the highest level and I feel he is the right person with the right attitude to take the mantle from long serving captain Malcolm Alker.”

Holdsworth initially joined the club on a one year deal but signed a mid-season contract extension after a string of fine performances attracted the attention of rival Super League clubs.

The Australian enjoyed a successful first year at the Willows, winning three trophies at the club’s end of season awards evening.

Salford have made a number of notable signings ahead of new season and Holdsworth is hoping for a successful campaign.

“It’s a great honour to be taking on the role of captain at Salford City Reds. Malcolm (Alker) leaves a big void, but I hope I can do justice to the role and look forward to leading the Reds out in the final year at the Willows in what will hopefully be a successful season,” he said.

Rob Parker, the former Bradford and Warrington prop forward, will continue in the role of vice captain.